Improvement in lightning-rods



D. MUNSON.

LIGHTNING Ron. v

No. 99,461. Patented FebQl, 1870.

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DAVID MUNSON, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

Letters Patent No. 99,461, dated February 1, 1870; anfedatefl January 26, 1.870.

IMPROVEMENT IN LIGHTNING-RODS.

The Schedule referred to in these Lettera Patent and making part of the same.

To all u'liom it may concern Be it known that l, Devin MUNSON, of lndianapolis, inthe county ot' Marion, and State of Indiana, have invented a. new and useful Improvement', in Lightning-Rod Points; and I do hereby declare the following to be af'ull and correct description ofthe same, sut'- ficient. to enable others skilled in Vthe art to which my invention appertains, to fully uuderstandand construct the same,- refer'ence being had to the accompanying drawings, which. make part of this specification, and in whichl Figures 1 and lare perspective views of my improved lightning-rod point; and

Figures 1* and 2 are sections of the same, in lines xzg/y, figs. la'ndl.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts in the several figures.

The nature of'my invention consists in the peculiar shape ofthe point, whereby the manufacture is greatly facilitated, their weight considerably lessened, and at the same time the same surface and general features considered necessary in such points retained; also, in the construction of lightning-rod points ot' sheet-metal, for the purposes hereinafter more fully described.

A, in the drawings, may represent lightning-rods, to which points B are secured.

In figs. 1 and l", I have shown my impro-veu Alightning-rod point, as cast in the usual manner. C is the buse, which is scri-.wed on to tlie'rodA,and which extends upwardly into the main part ay of the point. Extendinor in opposite directions, at an angle to the part a, are formed wings b, in such a manner that f'om' edges, e, are produced, which answer to the four-winged 1igl1 tnin, {'rod points now in common use.

In figs. 2,2", I have shown a point constructedv of sheet-metal, preferably sheet-copper. In this point,

the base G is formed separately from the point proper, and is provided with a slotted shank, 11, in to the slot of which the. part a of' point B passes, 'und in which itis securely held by rivets e. The point proper is formed from slieetanetal, bent into the shape described above, the. point being formed by rounding ofi, which can easily be done by machinery.

This point I plate by insertion into a composition of molten metal, to prevent its liability to oxidize by exposure.

The great advantage of' my pointis its lightness. 0nsteeples of large buildings, very large-sized point-s are required, and the great objection to them is their weight. A

By the peculiar` shape of my point, I am enabled to make 4them-of' a great deal less. lnet-nhwhen it is desired to (mst them, and if' made'of` sheet-'lmetah they will be lighter still. In this latter case, their muuufzicturewili be exceedingly easy, and they can consequently be produced at a great-ly reduc-'ed host.

In the drawings, I have shown the wings l1 b, as at right :ingles to the part a. Itis preferable to construct them in this` way, but the angle may he more acute or obtuse, as circumstancesund experience may rc quirc.

Having thus described .ny invention,

Whatl claim as new, :nid desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

A lightning-rod point, formed with two wings l), extending in-opposite directions, and atan angle to part a, substantially as and forthe purpose described..

DAVID MUNSON.

Witnesses:

E. A. PARKER, WM. S. BARTLEY. 

